son studio elevates 'bangalow road house' on stilts over byron bay

Sa floating home behind a timber screen

Australian architecture practice Son Studio takes to a compact corner plot in Byron Bay to design its Bangalow Road House, an ultra-efficient residence fronted by a rhythmic timber screen facade. The architecture is planned in response to its constrained plot, standing as an example of a well-considered, small-footprint home which meets all the functional needs of a family. This is achieved in part by elevating a large portion of the structure atop a set of stilts.

The three bedroom home consists of three rectangular volumes, each serving distinct functions. The elevated volume houses the private areas, including all the bedrooms, while the two lower volumes house the garage and the living spaces. The design incorporates a visual separation between these volumes, creating a floating effect for the upper volume and reducing the building’s perceived bulk.

images © Rory Gardiner

a Central Courtyard Balances Openness and Privacy

A centrally located courtyard serves as the heart of Son Studio’s Bangalow Road House, lending a natural flow between interior and exterior spaces. The architects design this courtyard to allow the dwelling to shift between open and private states, crucial for a property located near a busy street. When open, the home fosters a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, when privacy is needed, solid openings can close off the courtyard, shielding the residents from neighboring views.

Due to the home’s proximity to the street, privacy is a key concern. Horizontal battens on the upper level offer outward views while blocking street-level sight lines. This screening solution also helps mitigate solar radiation, serving as an alternative to traditional eaves. On the ground floor, additional screens form a threshold, optimizing the building’s northern aspect while maintaining intimate internal spaces. These layered screens create a veil-like effect, filtering natural light and reducing noise from the street.

the architects embrace a narrow site to create an efficient family home

Timber Screens Shape sunlight and views

The team at Son Studio designs the timber screening elements to ensure privacy and to curate a dynamic spatial experience within the Bangalow Road House. As light filters through the screens, it creates shifting patterns of dappled light throughout the house, enhancing the sense of time and place. The strategic framing of views adds a layer of engagement for residents, encouraging curiosity and heightening their awareness of the surrounding environment.

The architecture takes shape with a simplified palette of locally sourced materials, with sustainability at the forefront. Native hardwood wraps the exterior of the house, creating a natural connection to the environment. Over time, the timber will develop a silver-grey patina on the outside, while retaining its warm tones indoors. This fluid transition between the exterior and interior spaces strengthens the home’s connection to its surroundings.

an elevated plan maximizes interior space across three rectangular volumes